Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Dinner and Show
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Food
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
History
Istanbul, a city bridging Europe and Asia, has been a cultural and historical crossroads for over two millennia, serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The Bosphorus, a vital waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, has shaped Istanbul’s identity, with its shores adorned by iconic landmarks like palaces, fortresses, and mosques that reflect its rich heritage.
This dinner cruise along the Golden Horn and Bosphorus offers a unique perspective on Istanbul’s storied past, combining sightseeing with Turkish cuisine and cultural performances. As you sail between two continents, you’ll experience the city’s timeless beauty and vibrant traditions in an unforgettable evening.
Highlights
- Sail along the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, viewing iconic landmarks
- Enjoy a delicious dinner with Turkish mezes, main course, and fruit
- Watch traditional Turkish dances, belly dancing, and Latin performances
- Sip unlimited soft drinks and optional alcoholic beverages
- Admire Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and Maiden’s Tower by night
Full Description
Embark on a 3-hour dinner cruise aboard the luxurious Mega Lüfer-3, sailing along Istanbul’s Golden Horn and Bosphorus for a magical evening of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment. Begin with an optional hotel pickup from central areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, or Sirkeci, or make your way to the pier near Kadir Has University by the Cibali Tram Station. As you board, settle into a private table (shared for solo travelers) in the climate-controlled dining salon or on the open-air deck, perfect for year-round comfort.
Savor a delicious dinner featuring nine types of authentic Turkish mezes, a hot starter, and a choice of main course (sea bass fillet, mixed grill, or vegetarian option), followed by seasonal fruit and Turkish coffee or tea. Unlimited soft drinks are included, with an option for two alcoholic drinks. As you dine, enjoy panoramic views of landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge, and Maiden’s Tower, illuminated under the night sky. A mobile audio guide in multiple languages (Arabic, English, French, etc.) enhances your understanding of these historic sites.
The evening comes alive with a vibrant live performance, featuring traditional Turkish folk dances, mesmerizing belly dancing, Latin rhythms, and a DJ set to keep the energy high. Guests are invited to join the dancing, making the experience interactive and festive. With multilingual hosts and optional pickup and drop-off, this cruise is ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a blend of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty. The tour concludes at the pier, leaving you with lasting memories of Istanbul’s charm.
Why Choose This Experience?
This Bosphorus dinner cruise offers a perfect blend of Istanbul’s iconic sights, authentic Turkish cuisine, and lively cultural performances, all in a luxurious and comfortable setting. Sailing between two continents, you’ll experience the city’s beauty from a unique perspective, enhanced by a mobile audio guide for historical insights.
With flexible pickup options, special dietary accommodations (vegetarian, pescetarian, halal), and a vibrant entertainment program, this experience caters to diverse travelers. It’s an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy Istanbul’s magic in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
What’s Included
- Mobile app audio guide (Arabic, Bulgarian, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish)
- Dinner with 9 types of cold Turkish mezes, hot starter, main course (sea bass fillet, mixed grill, or vegetarian), and seasonal fruit
- Unlimited soft drinks
- Two glasses of alcoholic drinks (if option selected)
- Turkish coffee and tea
- Live entertainment with Turkish dances, belly dancing, Latin rhythms, and DJ set
- Optional hotel pickup and drop-off (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, etc.)
- Private table (shared for solo travelers)
Itinerary
- Optional pickup from Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, or other central areas
- Arrive at the Mega Lüfer-3 pier near Kadir Has University (Cibali Tram Station)
- 3-hour Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise with panoramic views
- Enjoy dinner with Turkish mezes, main course, and fruit
- Watch live performances of Turkish folk dances, belly dancing, and Latin rhythms
- Optional dancing with the performers and DJ set
- Return to the pier or drop-off at your hotel (if selected)
Pricing
From $29 per person
Meeting Point
Meet at the pier in front of Kadir Has University, near the Cibali Tram Station (T5 Line), where the Mega Lüfer-3 cruise boat awaits along the waterfront. From Eminönü or Alibeyköy, take the T5 Tram to Cibali; from Taksim or Şişli, take the M2 Metro to Şişhane and walk 15 minutes across the Atatürk Bridge; from Sultanahmet or Karaköy, take the T1 Tram to Eminönü, then transfer to T5. If opting for pickup, be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time in Sultanahmet, Taksim, or other central areas.
How to Get There
- Arrive at the Mega Lüfer-3 pier near Kadir Has University by the Cibali Tram Station
- Use public transport: T5 Tram from Eminönü/Alibeyköy to Cibali; M2 Metro from Taksim/Şişli to Şişhane, then walk; or T1 Tram from Sultanahmet/Karaköy to Eminönü, then T5 to Cibali
- For optional pickup, wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed time
- Provide a WhatsApp-enabled phone number with the correct country code for communication
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for dining and dancing
- Camera or phone to capture the illuminated landmarks
- WhatsApp-enabled phone number for communication
Know Before You Go
- The activity caters to vegetarian, pescetarian, and halal dietary requirements; inform the operator when booking
- Solo travelers are seated at a shared table; private tables are for groups of two or more
- Provide a WhatsApp-enabled phone number with the correct country code during booking
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- The cruise operates year-round with indoor and open-air seating for all seasons
Reviews
- We had an amazing time, and Ilyas was marvelous, treating us like VIPs! The performances were entertaining, the dinner was delicious, and the views were breathtaking. Highly recommend this cruise!
- The experience was fantastic, with lively performances and attentive service from our waiter Ilias. The food was great, and the views of Istanbul’s landmarks at night were stunning. A wonderful evening!
- Mr. Elias provided exceptional service, making the night truly special. The entertainment, food, and scenery were perfect, and the staff’s friendliness added to the experience. A must-do in Istanbul!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is included in the Bosphorus dinner cruise experience?
This 3-hour cruise includes a dinner with nine types of Turkish mezes, a hot starter, a choice of main course (sea bass, mixed grill, or vegetarian), and seasonal fruit, plus unlimited soft drinks and optional alcoholic drinks. You’ll enjoy live performances of Turkish folk dances, belly dancing, Latin rhythms, and a DJ set, with the option to join in. A mobile audio guide in multiple languages enhances your understanding of landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and Bosphorus Bridge. Optional hotel pickup from central areas and a private table (shared for solo travelers) ensure comfort. It’s a perfect blend of cuisine, culture, and sightseeing.
How does the pickup and drop-off process work for this cruise?
Optional pickup and drop-off are available from central Istanbul areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, and others. Be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time, provided after booking, and provide accurate hotel details for seamless coordination. If not using pickup, head to the Mega Lüfer-3 pier near Kadir Has University by the Cibali Tram Station, easily accessible via T5, T1, or M2 public transport. The return drop-off (if selected) ensures convenience, or you can depart from the pier. The process is designed for punctuality and ease.
What landmarks will I see, and how does the audio guide enhance the experience?
You’ll sail past iconic landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge, and Maiden’s Tower, all beautifully lit at night. The mobile audio guide, available in languages like Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, provides historical and cultural insights about these sites as you pass them. The guide enhances your understanding of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, complementing the views from the yacht’s deck or dining salon. The combination of live narration and visual splendor makes the cruise both educational and visually spectacular. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
What is the cancellation policy for this cruise?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change. Contact the operator through the booking platform or provided details to process your cancellation. The “reserve now, pay later” option allows you to secure your spot without upfront payment, adding convenience. This policy ensures peace of mind for travelers with uncertain schedules. Always review your booking confirmation for specific instructions to ensure a smooth cancellation process.
Are dietary needs accommodated, and what is the dining experience like?
The cruise caters to vegetarian, pescetarian, and halal dietary requirements; inform the operator when booking to ensure your needs are met. The dinner includes nine types of authentic Turkish mezes, a hot starter, a choice of main course (sea bass, mixed grill, or vegetarian), and seasonal fruit, served at a private table (shared for solo travelers). Unlimited soft drinks and Turkish coffee or tea are included, with two alcoholic drinks optional. The dining experience, set against the backdrop of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline and live performances, is both delicious and culturally immersive.
